Senior College student raises money for Redland's community

While undertaking an entrepreneurial assessment as part of her Senior College business course, year 12 student Emily Hillier decided to make her business idea a reality and support those in need.

Offered exclusively at our Alexandra Hills campus in Brisbane, TAFE Queensland's Senior College program allows students to complete Year 11 and 12 in a flexible, personal, and mature learning environment.

The course encouraged her to develop business knowledge and skills to contribute to society and the marketplace. She learnt about business concepts, theories, processes and strategies, leadership, management and entrepreneurship while engaging with the business world and digital technologies.

This culminated in her developing strong communication and networking skills, which she used to start a business serving those who serve the local community's most vulnerable members.

The assessment required her to invest $20 to start a business venture. So, Emily launched her own candle business, Wick & Worth, with all profits supporting domestic violence victims and women who are currently homeless by providing care packages.

When her candles sold out within one day, she took the real-world skills she had learnt during her course to start a donation drive from TAFE Queensland staff and local charities to make more packs to donate.

Using her entrepreneurial skills, she managed to fundraise money and donations of sanitary products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, socks, hairbrushes and hygiene essentials, which she packed up for donation to the Redland Community Centre, DV Connect and Share the Dignity.

Through her donation drive, she also developed strong communication and networking skills, which she plans to use to serve those serving the local community's most vulnerable members.

"I believe that these donations will benefit the community, and I started doing this because I knew that there was a need to provide women with essential items, and there still is," Emily said.

"I have enjoyed giving back to the community as it is something I have done since I was younger. These packages will make a difference for those who are currently in need."

Recently, Emily met with the Redlands Community Centre to donate the packs she created to help victims of domestic violence, helping those who need them most.

“A massive thank you goes to Emily and everyone who supported her by contributing these much-needed items for donation. Personal hygiene items are costly yet are essential to maintain one’s physical and mental health. These personal care packs will make a real difference for our local community doing it tough, including domestic violence victims and those experiencing homelessness.” said Chantel Meehan, Operations Manager, Redland Community Centre.

Supported by her teachers and principal, Emily has taken what she learnt in the classroom to the marketplace to help the local community, making the entire faculty proud.

"The students thoroughly enjoy the experience of being entrepreneurs and are learning valuable skills along the way," explained Craig Eades, Director, Senior College and Community Pathways, TAFE Queensland.

"They apply their theoretical knowledge of business concepts to real-world situations, helping them understand the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship."

"Students create businesses, selling cakes, candles, walking dogs, washing cars, and customising clothing. Seeing the students apply their creativity and resourcefulness to make their businesses successful was great."

"Overall, the $20 Business Entrepreneurs assessment has been a fantastic learning experience for the students, and we're thrilled with the results so far," concluded Mr Eades.